Monday, July 23, 2012

Meeting a Pen Pal in real life!


Serendipity happens.

In February, I participated in the Month of Letters. I gained a few new pen pals. Joel happened to be one of those. Take a look at some of my older posts to see some of his fantastic handwriting.

I just happened to be in his town over the past two weeks for a class I am teaching. So, Joel and I got together for supper and to talk pens and to let him show off his grandsons, daughter and wife. Let me tell you what, he has a fantastic collection of fountain pens, a lovely wife, charming daughter and two of the cutest little busy grandsons ever! When we went out for supper, he said we could take the car or we could take Starry Night. Photographic proof of what we rode to supper is above.

Beyond that, Joel is an artist. He does incredible work. His preferred media is printing from wood blocks and well, it is just amazing. I didn't take any pictures, I was just too blown away by what he does.

Several months ago, Joel submitted some of his artwork to Noodler's Ink and that company sent him several bottles of ink and a pile of fountain pens. He gave me one. I will ink it up and take a picture when I get home next week.

I miss my family. I can't wait to get home.